106 learning to use a spoken language
Ways to keep your child’s interest
• Talk about things she knows
and can see: her food, her
clothing, her toys.
• Talk about things that
interest her. If she likes
trucks, talk about them. If
she likes to play with dolls,
talk about what she is
doing.
• Talk often, not just at teaching
times. Your child may not yet
understand the words, but it will
help her become more aware
of language.
Face your child when you are
talking, and be in good light so
she can see your face.
• Try to reduce the noise around you. Remember to speak close to
the child. If her hearing in one ear is better, remember to speak
near that ear.
How to help your child learn speech sounds
Simply speaking to a child who can hear is enough for him to be able to
learn to speak. But to help a child who cannot hear well learn to speak, he
needs to listen to and remember the distinct speech sounds that make up
words. So in addition to talking naturally to your child, you should have
your child listen to and use specific speech sounds.
Every language has sounds
that are easier and harder for
children to learn. Teach the
simpler sounds first (like ‘ma’
before ‘ra’).
It’s cold. C-c-c-cold.
You need a coat.
Every 2 weeks, choose a different
distinct speech sound and and
use it as often as you can — in
conversation, by itself, or as a game.
Ask other people to use the same
speech sound too.
Repeat the chosen sound as
often as you can. Use the speech
sound alone too, for example, by
saying ‘c-c-c cold’.
Helping Children Who Are Deaf (2004)